Thames Valley educators and electrical businesses unite to address regional skills challenges
A new Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA) was launched this week (10 March 2026) in the Thames Valley, bringing together electrotechnical businesses and education providers to identify solutions for enhancing skills delivery across the region.
The newly formed ETCA unites local employers and education partners to develop practical responses to skills challenges specific to the region’s labour market.
The launch follows the publication of ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, which compares classroom-based course starts with apprenticeship uptake across England. The data highlights low and very low apprentice starts in parts of the Thames Valley, underlining the need for more coordinated local action.
Keith Sanderson, Head of Skills Delivery at ECA, said:
“This is the third ETCA to be launched in 2026 so far. Building on the established alliances across England, we are pleased to introduce a focus on the Thames Valley region. Today’s session represents a positive step in the right direction towards creating stronger, more effective skills delivery.”
The Thames Valley ETCA is the latest alliance to be established as part of ECA’s initiative to support regional collaboration between the electrical and education sectors in England. Further ETCAs are planned for launch during 2026.
The alliance will meet regularly to agree priorities and develop actions aimed at improving apprenticeship take-up and strengthening the region’s future electrotechnical workforce.
The following organisations were present at the ETCA:
- ECA
- NICEIC
- JIB
- JTL
- Buckinghamshire College Group
- Abingdon and Whitney College
- Oxford Energy Academy
- ALET
- Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Darke & Taylor
- Entric Services Ltd
- Lowe & Oliver Ltd
- A1 Contracting Ltd
